2025 Belgian car market: Citroën C3 secures podium and leads in Brussels

The final report for the Belgian automotive market for 2025 has been released. In a period of significant transformation, the Belgian market recorded 414,771 new registrations, representing a 7.5% decrease compared to the previous year. However, beyond these raw figures lies an analysis rich in insights for fans of the "double chevron" brand. The Citroën C3 stands out significantly, not only due to its sales volume but also for its ability to navigate a national ecosystem with unique characteristics in Europe. By ending the year at the top of the rankings, the French city car confirms its status as a segment pillar while highlighting the specificities of an increasingly contrasted Belgian market.

Citroën C3 on the podium: a remarkable performance in Brussels

The year 2025 confirms the strength of the Citroën C3 in Belgium. With a total volume of 8,729 units registered, it secured a superb 3rd place in the overall standings across all engine types, following only the BMW X1 and the Dacia Sandero. In the specific petrol engine segment, the C3 strengthened its position by ranking 2nd in the market with 7,388 units, closely following the Sandero.

However, it is in the Brussels-Capital region that the Citroën C3 achieved its most notable feat by taking 1st place in the rankings with 1,533 registrations, outperforming highly popular models such as the Peugeot 208 and the Toyota Yaris. This urban dominance highlights the model's perfect fit for the capital's mobility needs.

Customer analysis reveals another major strength for Citroën: the versatility of its sales mix. While the C3 ranks 4th among private customers with 4,996 units (approximately 57.2% of its sales), it displays a much more balanced profile than its direct competitor, the Dacia Sandero. The latter is extremely dependent on the private market, which accounts for nearly 88% of its volume. Conversely, the Citroën C3 successfully attracts professionals, a crucial performance in a country where the B2B market remains the primary driver of automotive activity. This ability to convince both families and fleet managers is excellent news, as the Belgian market remains an outlier compared to its European neighbors.

Between electric and petrol: the paradox of a unique Belgian market

The Belgian market is distinguished by a striking duality between different owner types. In 2025, professionals represented 58.3% of registrations, compared to 41.7% for private individuals. This B2B sector dominance dictates the country's energy transition: driven by legislative and tax constraints, 53.1% of new cars acquired by companies are 100% electric (BEV). In total, electric motorization reached a 34.7% overall market share in 2025, showing steady growth.

In contrast, private buyers exhibit radically different behavior. They overwhelmingly choose petrol (62.4%) and remain cautious regarding pure electric vehicles, which represent only 8.9% of their purchases. A particularly unique point is the level of self-charging hybrid (HEV) engines. While they dominate markets like France or Italy with shares often exceeding 35%, they account for only 11.5% of registrations in Belgium.

This Belgian paradox — a highly electrified market for pros but a very conservative one for private buyers — makes Citroën’s multi-energy strategy a master asset. With its petrol, hybrid, and now electric versions, the Citroën C3 precisely meets this fragmented demand. Unlike some models that are strictly "fleet-oriented" or "low-cost petrol," the C3 bridges the gap between the range needs of individuals and the decarbonization imperatives of corporations.

Toward reclaiming the top spot

For many years, the Citroën C3 dominated sales in Belgium. While it is natural to see it on the podium today, losing its historical first place may seem unusual. However, it should be noted that production challenges faced by the global automotive industry likely prevented the brand from meeting all real-time demand.

Nonetheless, the C3's current situation is healthy: it does not depend on a single demographic and enjoys a strong brand image in Brussels and other regions. Thanks to an extended range of motorizations adapted to Belgian tax specificities, the city car has all the arguments to reclaim its throne. Once production levels are fully aligned with growing demand, it is highly probable that the C3 will return to its number one position, confirming that versatility is its best weapon in a rapidly changing Belgian market.